18 + content

As the evening deepened, the air grew cooler, and the sky transitioned into a rich, dusky purple. The beach game had wound down, and the sounds of laughter were replaced by the rhythmic hum of distant conversations and the occasional clink of bottles as the team made their way back to the hotel. 

Supraja stayed behind for a moment, letting the last remnants of sunlight kiss her skin as she gathered her things and stood up from the towel.

Shubman had already disappeared to grab a quick shower, but Supraja couldn't quite shake the warmth she felt in her chest after their conversation. 

She was still processing everything, her mind swirling with a mix of nerves and excitement, but the tension from earlier had faded.

By the time she reached the hotel, the whole team had scattered, some heading to their rooms, others stopping by the lobby bar. Supraja didn't linger, though. She had a plan.

She took the elevator up to their floor, her stomach tightening with every floor that passed. Her hand instinctively reached for the keycard in her pocket. 

She glanced around at the quiet hallway before she slipped the keycard into the door and pushed it open.

The suite they shared was a cozy one, with large windows that offered a breathtaking view of the mountains surrounding Dharamshala. 

The light from the setting sun still streamed in through the glass, creating long, golden shadows on the floor. 

The room was simple but elegant, with two queen-sized beds, a small sitting area, and a bathroom that was just down the hallway. 

It felt like the perfect place for a quiet evening, and Supraja was glad to have it all to themselves.

She stepped inside, letting the door close softly behind her. She was already halfway to the small couch when she heard the sound of running water from the bathroom. Shubman was probably finishing up his shower.

She hesitated for a moment, biting her lip, as she looked around the room. Everything felt so still, so intimate. 

The butterflies in her stomach returned, but this time, there was no doubt. She trusted him, and she knew that whatever happened tonight, it would be okay.

Suddenly, the bathroom door opened, and Shubman emerged, a towel slung around his waist, his damp hair sticking up in wild spikes. 

His bare chest was still glistening from the shower, and his eyes locked with hers as he took a few steps forward.

"Hey," he said softly, his voice low and smooth, sending a shiver through her. He took a moment to just look at her, his gaze warm, before offering her a small smile. "You good?"

Supraja swallowed, trying to keep herself composed as he walked closer. "Yeah, I'm good," she replied, but her voice was quieter than usual. 

The anticipation between them was thick, and her heart seemed to race faster with every passing second.

He paused in front of her, his body radiating warmth as he towered over her. His gaze dropped to her lips for a moment before he met her eyes again. "You're nervous, huh?"

Supraja exhaled slowly, nodding. "A little. I mean, I just... I don't want to mess things up."

Shubman chuckled, his deep laugh resonating in the quiet of the room. "You won't mess anything up," he reassured her, his hand reaching out to gently cup her cheek. 

"I just want you to be comfortable. And if that means taking it slow, then we'll take it slow."

She let out a soft breath, closing her eyes at the feeling of his touch. It was enough to ground her, to remind her that this was a partnership—one built on trust and care. Slowly, she opened her eyes, her gaze meeting his again.

"I trust you," she whispered, her voice barely audible, but the sincerity behind it was clear.

Shubman's expression softened, and without another word, he leaned down, his lips brushing against hers in a tender, lingering kiss. 

The kiss was soft at first, a gentle exploration, his lips caressing hers with the kind of tenderness that made her pulse quicken. She melted into the kiss, her hands moving up to rest on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart under her fingers.

But as the kiss deepened, the warmth between them intensified. His hands slid to her waist, pulling her closer, while hers instinctively moved to his hair, threading through the damp strands. She could feel the heat of his body against hers, the way his muscles tensed with every touch.

When they finally broke the kiss, they were both breathing a little harder, their foreheads pressed together.

"You're perfect," Shubman murmured, his voice thick with desire. "I'm not going to rush you, Supraja. We'll go at whatever pace you need. But know this... I want you. And I want to make you feel good."

Her breath hitched at his words, a mix of longing and uncertainty swirling inside her. But there was something in the way he said it—so assured, so gentle—that made her feel safe, protected. 

I don't need to know everything right now. I don't need to be perfect. I just need to be with him.

She nodded, her voice soft but firm. "I want that too, Shubman."

His smile was slow, deliberate as if he were savouring the moment. "Then let's take our time," he said, his thumb gently brushing her lip before he kissed her again, this time with a little more urgency.

His hands moved slowly, exploring the curve of her waist, sliding up to her back where he traced the edge of her bikini top. 

She could feel the heat in his touch, and the desire between them was palpable. The air felt heavier, charged with the tension of everything unsaid, but they didn't need to rush. Not tonight.

He slowly pulled away, his hand gently guiding her to sit on the edge of the bed. "Stay with me," he whispered, his voice soft, almost a plea.

"I'm right here," she replied, her heart racing as she reached for him.

As she sat there, their eyes locked once more, there was no rush. Only the quiet understanding between them—an unspoken promise that whatever happened next, they would take it one step at a time. Together.

The bed, now only a few feet away, felt like the last step in a journey they had both been on for months—a journey that had brought them here, to this moment.

Shubman's eyes never left hers as he knelt down in front of her, his hand gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. His gaze was tender, his lips curling into a small smile. There was no urgency, no pressure. Just a quiet, comforting assurance.

"You're so beautiful, Supraja," he said softly, his voice low but full of reverence. "You know that, right?"

Supraja's cheeks flushed with warmth, and she looked down, not used to receiving compliments like that—especially not ones that made her feel like she was the only person in the world. 

"Stop it," she muttered, her hands nervously clasping her knees as she avoided his gaze.

"No," he insisted, his voice soft but firm. "You are beautiful. Inside and out." His fingers gently tilted her chin up, coaxing her to meet his eyes again. 

"I'm not going to rush you. But I want you to know, no matter what happens, you're perfect just the way you are."

Her heart fluttered in her chest, her lips parting as she tried to find the right words. But they weren't necessary. She could feel the truth in his words, in the way his hand lingered on her skin, the way he looked at her like she was everything.

 And in that moment, the nervousness that had knotted up in her stomach seemed to soften, replaced by something else—something warm, comforting, and full of trust.

She took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly as she reached for him. 

"I'm just... nervous," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "This is all new to me, Shubman. I've never been with anyone before."

Shubman nodded, his thumb brushing along her jawline. "I know, baby," he said, his voice soft but understanding. 

"I know. And I'm not going anywhere. We'll take it slow. We don't need to do anything you're not ready for."

There was no pressure in his words, just an assurance that she wasn't alone in this. That whatever happened next, it would be on her terms, at her pace. 

And in that moment, Supraja realized something—she didn't have to have everything figured out. All she needed was him. And with him, she felt safe. 

Safe to be herself. Safe to explore, to take the leap when she was ready.

Her breath caught in her throat as she reached for him, her hands trembling as she gently tugged at the towel around his waist. 

Shubman's eyes never wavered, his gaze soft, waiting, patient. He didn't move a muscle, giving her the space to make the decision.

With a quiet sigh, Supraja pulled the towel away, her eyes tracing the outline of his body, feeling a rush of heat spread across her skin. 

Her pulse raced as she looked at him, seeing the raw, undeniable attraction in his eyes. 

But it wasn't just lust. It was something deeper, something real. She saw how much he cared for her, how much he respected her.

She swallowed hard, trying to steady her breath, but it felt like everything in the room was spinning, her heart racing in her chest. 

Shubman stepped closer, his hands moving to gently guide her onto the bed, settling beside her as he carefully propped himself up on his elbow, keeping a careful distance.

"You're in control here," he whispered. "If you need to stop at any time, we stop. No questions asked. This is about you, Supraja. And I'll be right here, no matter what."

His words made her chest tighten. 

He really means it. 

She looked into his eyes—eyes filled with so much affection, trust, and care—and she knew. This was the moment. The moment she had been holding on to, the moment she had waited for. She was ready.

Supraja moved closer to him, her lips finding his again in a soft, but deep kiss. This time, it was different. It wasn't just a kiss. 

It was a promise. 

Her fingers found the edge of his shorts, and slowly, she pulled them off, the fabric sliding from his waist as his body responded to her touch. 

Her heart raced at the sight of him, the way his muscles rippled with every movement. And yet, despite the intensity of the moment, there was a calmness in Shubman's demeanor—a calmness that anchored her, helped her feel grounded.

He pulled her into his arms, his hands trailing softly down her back, over the fabric of her bikini top. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice low, searching her face for any sign of doubt.

She nodded, her breath shaky. "I'm sure," she whispered.

With that, the last of her hesitation melted away, and she felt his lips trailing down her neck, his hands slipping behind her back to untie the knot of her bikini top. 

Every touch, every kiss, made her feel more alive, more real, and she could feel the building intensity between them. 

She moved closer, feeling his warmth envelop her, as she slowly removed the rest of her clothes, her body now bare beneath him.

Shubman's eyes softened, and he kissed her once more, this time slow, languid, as if savoring the moment. 

"You're incredible," he murmured against her lips. "Every inch of you is perfect."

She flushed, her chest tightening at the sincerity in his voice. With every word, every touch, her insecurities faded, and she felt herself blooming under his care. 

This wasn't just physical—it was emotional and spiritual. It was about trust, connection, and love.

As their lips slowly parted, the air in the room was thick with the intimate tension they had both been building for so long. 

Shubman, sensing the slow, steady rhythm they had settled into, smiled softly against her lips before pulling away slightly. 

His thumb grazed her cheek gently, his expression calm but filled with affection. "You okay?" he asked, his voice a deep murmur in the quiet of the room. 

His hand reached to brush a strand of hair away from her face, his touch tender, as always.

She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah... I'm good," she said, her cheeks still flushed from the closeness of their kiss. 

She could feel the heat of his body so close to hers, the chemistry between them undeniable. She wasn't quite sure what she was supposed to expect.

Shubman, sensing the slight tension, moved to sit up beside her. He reached for his bag that was resting on the small desk next to the bed. 

"I'll be right back," he said, his voice light, before turning and retrieving something from the top of his bag.

Supraja watched, her hands nervously twisting the edge of the blanket as she tried to calm her racing heart.

She hadn't expected things to move so fast, but the warmth between them, the way he had reassured her, had made her feel more comfortable than she could have ever imagined. 

Still, the nervousness crept back in as she saw him pull out several small, colourful packets from the bag.

Her eyes widened as she caught sight of the familiar branding—Durex. 

 The packets were unmistakable. She knew exactly what they were, though she couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity at the sight of four different types laid out in his hand.

Her cheeks immediately flushed a deep shade of crimson, and she quickly looked away, feeling the heat rise to her neck. 

"Shubman..." she began, her voice small and unsure. "What... are those?"

Shubman chuckled softly, sensing her embarrassment. He set the packets down on the nightstand beside the bed before turning to face her. 

"It's okay, Supraja," he said gently, his voice soothing. "These are just... for protection. We have to be careful, you know?"

She nodded, understanding that much. Protection. She had heard about it, read about it, and knew what it was for. 

But the sight of multiple different kinds—each packet a different colour and size—made her feel flustered. She swallowed hard, her eyes shifting from the packets back to him. 

"But... what's with all of them?" she asked, her voice a little shaky now.

Shubman smiled softly at her, his eyes glimmering with a teasing affection. "There are different kinds," he explained, sitting back down beside her, his hand resting on her knee. 

"Some are for extra pleasure, some are for, well... different experiences. The point is to make sure we're both comfortable. I want you to feel safe, and enjoy this with me."

Supraja's breath hitched at his words. He had been so open, so considerate, that she couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by the depth of his care. 

It wasn't just about the act itself—it was about making sure they were both ready, both protected, and both feeling good about what was happening.

"Different experiences?" she echoed, her voice a little more curious now than it had been moments before.

Shubman chuckled softly, a grin tugging at his lips as he looked at her. 

"Yeah, baby. Different ones. Some of them are for more... intense moments," he said, his voice low and playful, as if he were trying to ease her nerves. 

"But don't worry. We'll start slow, whatever you're comfortable with. There's no rush, no pressure."

Her cheeks were still red, but she couldn't help but feel a little lighter now. She trusted him. She trusted that he was being honest, that he wanted to make sure she was comfortable. 

Her hands, which had been tightly gripping the blanket, relaxed just a little as she glanced at the packets once more. 

She wasn't sure about all of them, but she knew enough to understand the importance of what he was doing.

"I just... I wasn't expecting... all of that," she said, still a little embarrassed but also intrigued. "But I trust you."

His smile softened, his fingers gently caressing her cheek. "You don't have to know everything, Supraja. I'm not going anywhere, and I'm not going to push you into anything. We're in this together, okay? Just let me know what you want, and we'll go at your pace."

She looked at him, her heart swelling with affection for him all over again. 

She had never felt so safe with anyone before, so understood, and now, even though her nerves were still there, they didn't feel like a burden. With him, they were just part of the journey.

She nodded slowly, a small smile curling on her lips. "Okay. I'm ready," she said quietly, her voice firm with new-found confidence.

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "You're amazing," he whispered, before gently nudging the packets aside and taking her hand in his, his thumb tracing comforting circles on her palm.

And just like that, the moment felt easier. Whatever came next, they would navigate it together—slowly, carefully, and with all the trust in the world between them.

Shubman's thumb gently circled her palm, grounding her as they sat there.

He didn't rush her. He didn't push for anything more than what she was ready to give. And that was exactly what she needed. 

He leaned in, kissing her forehead in the most tender way, as if reassuring her without needing to say anything more. 

"You can trust me with everything, Supraja," he murmured against her skin. "I won't let you down."

The room felt quieter now, the hum of the air conditioner in the background the only sound as they sat together, just enjoying the simple presence of each other. 

Supraja leaned back against the pillows, her body still close to his. She was more at ease than she'd ever been in this kind of situation, and she could feel her heart start to settle into a steady rhythm.

Shubman finally picked up the packets of Durex that were still laid out on the nightstand, his fingers brushing against the smooth, colourful wrappers. 

His gaze flicked to Supraja, a playful glint in his eyes. "So... these are the options," he said with a light chuckle, clearly trying to make her feel less self-conscious.

Her cheeks flushed again, but this time, there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes. "You... have a lot of options," she said with a nervous laugh, glancing at the different packets. "How do you even know which one to use?"

"Well," Shubman said, a mischievous grin pulling at the corners of his mouth, "I usually just go with what feels right. But I also wanted you to feel like we had a choice. If you're curious about one of them... we can try it."

The way he said it was so casual, so relaxed, it immediately put her at ease. It wasn't about pressure, about expectations—it was about choice, comfort, and exploration. He wasn't trying to push her into anything. He was giving her the space to make decisions about what felt right for her.

Supraja's eyes flicked over the packets again. One was labelled with a picture of a firework, the tagline promising something "extra stimulating." 

Another one had a sleek, minimal design with a promise of "smooth and natural." There was one with a cheeky "for a longer-lasting experience," and another with a "flavoured" label that made her cheeks burn even brighter.

She swallowed hard, trying to calm the flutter in her chest. "I... I don't know," she murmured, her voice softer now, a little uncertain again.

"That's okay," Shubman said, his voice still gentle, understanding. "We don't have to decide right now. Just... whenever you feel ready. No pressure."

She nodded, looking down at her hands for a moment. Then, with a small, tentative smile, she met his eyes. "Maybe the smooth one?" she suggested, her voice barely above a whisper.

Shubman's smile grew wider, and he leaned in, brushing his lips over hers in a soft, affectionate kiss. "Smooth it is," he said, his voice filled with warmth and tenderness. "We'll take it slow, okay?"

Shubman carefully opened the packet of the smooth condoms, his movements slow and deliberate. He looked at Supraja for a moment before saying, "We can still stop at any time. And if you want to talk about anything, or if you're feeling unsure, we talk. Always."

Her heart swelled in her chest. He was making it so easy for her. The love and trust between them made everything feel more natural, even if it was new for both of them.

She reached up to cup his cheek, her thumb brushing over his skin. "I'm not going anywhere," she said, her voice steady. "I want this, Shubman. I'm ready."

He smiled, his eyes shining with affection. "Good," he whispered, his lips trailing down her neck, his breath warm against her skin. He kissed her slowly, every movement of his lips tender and careful.

She pulled away slightly, looking into his eyes with a new sense of clarity. "Shubman," she whispered, her voice soft but steady, "I'm ready for this... but I want to make sure we do it the right way, for both of us."

His eyes softened, a reassuring smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He nodded, his thumb tracing the back of her hand. "We'll do it together. We'll make sure it's exactly how you want it to be, Supraja."

She nodded, feeling a surge of warmth in her chest. 

The trust between them was undeniable—he didn't need to say more; his presence, his care, told her everything she needed to know. 

He reached over and grabbed the packet of smooth condoms they had chosen earlier. 

She reached for him, her fingers grazing his arm, then his chest. "I trust you," she said again, her voice low and soft.

"And I trust you," he replied quietly, before pulling her closer to him. Their lips met again, a kiss full of tenderness, full of something deeper than just attraction—a shared understanding. 

Shubman's hand hovered over the packet, his thumb gently brushing the edges of it, his eyes locked on hers with an intensity that made Supraja's heart race once again. 

She could feel the weight of the moment, the anticipation hanging between them like a delicate thread. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear, and whispered, "Supraja..."

His voice was soft, yet filled with sincerity. "Can I make love to you? I want to... but only if you're ready. Only if this is what you want, too."

Supraja's breath caught in her throat, and her heart seemed to stop for a beat as she processed his words. 

She had never been in this position before, never had someone ask her so carefully, so gently. There was no pressure, no rush, just his unwavering care for her comfort and well-being.

Her mind was spinning, but beneath the swirling emotions, she felt a deep sense of trust, an understanding that she had never felt with anyone else. 

Shubman wasn't just asking; he was making sure she felt safe, that she was ready.

With a soft breath, she met his gaze, the warmth of his eyes calming her nerves, and nodded. "Yes," she whispered, her voice low but steady, "I'm ready. I trust you."

The simplicity of her words held so much weight, and as soon as she spoke them, Shubman's expression softened even further. 

His hand gently cupped her face, and he kissed her—slow, tender, like a promise. 

When they pulled away, his gaze was filled with affection, but there was something else too: a deep respect for her, for the trust she was placing in him.

He smiled, his lips curving into a soft, reassuring grin. "Thank you," he murmured. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

The warmth between them intensified as he carefully opened the packet of the condom they had chosen. His movements were deliberate, slow, ensuring that everything felt right. 

Supraja watched him, feeling a deep sense of calm wash over her. This wasn't rushed, this wasn't just about the physical; this was about connection, understanding, and love.

When he was ready, he paused, his eyes meeting hers once more. "If at any moment you want to stop, or if you feel unsure, just let me know. I mean it, Supraja. I want you to feel completely in control of this."

Her heart fluttered again, but this time it was with a sense of empowerment. He wasn't just asking to be with her—he was asking if she was ready if she was comfortable. 

There was no pressure, no expectation. Only respect.

"I will," she said softly, her voice quiet but resolute. "I trust you."

Shubman's expression softened, and he leaned in to kiss her again, this time more slowly, savoring the connection between them. 

The kiss was deeper, more intimate, and Supraja melted into it, feeling her nerves dissolve with each passing second.

As Shubman slowly leaned over, his hands gently but firmly pulling her closer, the warmth between them only deepened. He looked down at her, his gaze tender and full of affection. 

Her breath was shallow, and though a small trace of nervousness lingered, she could feel the deep trust between them growing stronger with each passing second.

"I'm here, Supraja," Shubman whispered, his voice low and steady, trying to ease any lingering apprehension. "Take it slow with me, and we'll do this right, okay?"

She nodded, her eyes locked on his, and there was a sense of certainty now—a knowing that this was the right moment, the right person. 

She didn't need to rush, didn't need to have all the answers. She just needed to trust him, trust the connection they shared, and trust herself.

The heat of his body against hers felt comforting, and safe, as he guided her back to the bed, their lips meeting again in a kiss that was slow and lingering. Each movement between them was fluid, every touch deliberate as if they were savouring the closeness, the intimacy.

He moved on top of her, his body covering hers in the most gentle way, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer. 

His hands were everywhere, caressing her skin with a softness that spoke of his care, his patience. He whispered her name, a prayer on his lips, before trailing his lips down her neck.

As he began to move, the intensity of the moment increased, and Supraja's nails instinctively dug into his back. 

The sensation of her sharp nails scraping against his skin only heightened the electric tension between them, sending jolts of heat through his body.

"Does it feel too much?" he asked softly, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes. His expression was a mix of concern and desire, wanting to make sure she felt comfortable, that this was still what she wanted.

Supraja's breath was shaky, her chest rising and falling with each breath. She looked up at him, a flush spreading across her cheeks, her heart racing. 

"No," she breathed out. "It feels... amazing."

Her voice was soft, almost breathless, and the vulnerability in her words made him even more careful, more attuned to her reactions. 

As he continued, his body pressed into hers with a rhythm that was deliberate but not forceful. 

He wanted her to feel everything—every inch of him, every movement, and above all, the connection they were building in this very moment.

With each new sensation, Supraja's grip on him tightened. She scratched his back again, her nails leaving faint red lines across his skin. The slight pain from her nails only intensified the pleasure he felt, and he let out a soft groan, burying his face in the crook of her neck.

"You feel so good, Supraja," he murmured between kisses, his voice rough with desire but filled with tenderness. 

His hands traced the curves of her body, his fingertips grazing her skin as if to memorize every inch of her. The intimacy of it all—the closeness, the trust—was overwhelming, but in the best way.

The room seemed to fade away, and it was just the two of them—moving together, feeling together, connecting on a level that was deeper than just the physical. 

Supraja felt her body responding, the tension in her body melting with every touch. She let herself give in to him, to the moment, her body instinctively rising to meet his.

She gasped as he adjusted his position slightly, his movements growing more intense. It felt like the air had thickened, like every touch, every caress, every shift of his body created a spark.

 And with every inch of movement, every sound between them, she felt herself growing more and more alive.

Her nails dug into his back again, this time with more intensity, and she couldn't help the small moan that escaped her lips. 

It felt like the tension in her body was building to a breaking point. The pleasure, the intensity, was becoming almost too much, and yet, she never wanted it to stop.

Shubman groaned, his back arching under the pressure of her nails. 

"God, Supraja..." he whispered, his voice hoarse. His grip on her tightened as he moved more fervently, pulling her closer with every thrust, his face buried in her neck.

The sound of their breathing, the rhythm of their bodies, filled the room as the intensity continued to rise. It wasn't just physical—it was emotional, spiritual even. 

They were losing themselves in each other, in the heat of the moment, in the vulnerability that came with allowing someone to see every part of you—physically and emotionally.

"Shubman..." Supraja breathed, her voice shaking, her fingers still pressing into his back as the feeling built. 

She didn't have words for the overwhelming sensations coursing through her, but her body was telling him everything.

He responded with a low, deep moan, feeling her nails on his skin like fire. "I've got you, baby," he whispered, his voice strained but filled with love. "You're incredible."

And just like that, the intensity reached its peak, a wave of shared pleasure crashing over both of them. 

They moved together, one last time, and the world seemed to fall away, leaving only the overwhelming sensation of connection. 

As their bodies slowly stilled, Shubman collapsed next to her, pulling her close, his arms enveloping her in a warm, protective embrace. They lay there, hearts still racing, as the air in the room finally began to calm.

"You're perfect," Shubman whispered, his voice soft and content. He kissed the top of her head, holding her tightly, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on her skin.

Supraja snuggled into him, feeling the warmth of his body as she smiled, her heart full. "Thank you," she whispered back. "I've never felt... more safe. More loved."

Shubman's smile was almost imperceptible in the soft light of the room, but it was there. "You're everything to me, Supraja. Always will be."

og soup speaks!

- here we have the 20th chapter!

- this was so weird to write :(

- anyway comments on the chapter?

- hope y'all enjoyed!

- love, supraja!